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Whatissarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is a disease associated with the ageing process. Loss of muscle mass and strength, which in turn affects balance, gait and overall ability to perform tasks of daily living, are hallmark signs of this disease.

Scientists have long believed muscle loss and others signs associated with aging are an inevitable process. However, researchers are looking for ways in which we can slow the aging process, specifically in relation to loss of muscle mass and strength.

Loss of muscle mass, strength and function

Normal muscle mass on left, muscle wasting on right

Sarcopenia is, in its most literal sense, the loss of muscle mass, strength and function related to aging. We are now discovering this loss is a complex and multifaceted process. Most commonly seen in inactive people, sarcopenia also affects those who remain physically active throughout their lives1.

This indicates that although a sedentary lifestyle contributes to this disease, it's not the only factor.

In addition, as we age:

hormone levels change

protein requirements alter

motor neurons die

and we tend to become more sedentary

Prevention and treatment

These factors in combination are what are thought to cause sarcopenia. Scientists are searching for ways to treat and prevent progression of this disease process by developing treatments targeting individual factors.

In a review of literature, worsening sarcopenia followed trends in losses of muscle strength as well as impairment of daily functioning2. In one study, the prevalence of sarcopenia increased dramatically with age from 4 % of men and 3 % of women aged 70-75 to 16 % of men and 13 % of women aged 85 or older3.

More importantly, when sarcopenia is coupled with other diseases associated with aging, its affects can be even more pronounced. Loss of muscle mass and strength is a significant risk factor for disability in the aging population4. When patients suffer from both sarcopenia and osteoporosis, the risk of falling and subsequent fracture incidence is higher5. Therefore, treating sarcopenia will in turn help to lessen its burden on co-existing diseases.